If you're an expat in Dubai aiming for business success, you’ve got to respect the local rules, culture, and business practices.

Few people understand this better than John Martin St. Valery OBE, the go-to expert for foreign business owners looking to set up, scale, and succeed in the UAE for over 30 years. 

From company formation to navigating regulations and securing the right sponsorships, he’s helped countless entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes and build thriving enterprises.

In this episode, he shares the non-negotiables of doing business, the biggest pitfalls, and why understanding the culture is essential.

If you’re serious about starting, growing, or investing in Dubai, this is your insider’s guide.

03:31 - John’s journey to being awarded an OBE

12:24 - Dubai’s business scene 20 years ago vs today

19:40 - The importance of partnerships in Dubai

30:02 - The biggest mistakes foreign companies make 

40:58 - The future of business in Dubai

57:54 - The 3 things every entrepreneur must know

Show Sponsors:

Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp. https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp

Socials:

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Follow John Martin St. Valery OBE on Social Mediahttps://ae.linkedin.com/in/johnmsv

What does it really take to scale a startup, attract investors, and build a business that thrives in today’s tough markets? If you’ve been struggling to answer those questions, this episode has the insights you need.

I’m joined by Colin Meagle, a powerhouse entrepreneur and the founder of Continuous Ventures. Colin has spent years guiding startups through the trenches, helping them secure funding, grow their teams, and transform their operations. 

If you’re serious about scaling your business, leading with confidence, and thriving in uncertain times, this episode is your playbook.

06:31 – Digital Transformation decoded10:16 – Strategic support systems for entrepreneurs15:36 – The true meaning of expertise17:21 – The top mistakes startups make when seeking funding23:41 – The principles of Aikido28:56 – Business during the pandemic and the power of resilience38:06 – Martial arts principles and their application in business49:29 – The philosophy of conflict resolution in life and leadership01:05:47 – Nurturing different types of growth

Show Sponsor:

Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp

Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ 

Follow Colin Meagle on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/colinmeagle/https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinmeagle/https://x.com/colinmeagle

Dubai’s real estate sector is booming, but what does it take to succeed in this highly competitive industry? Whether you’re new to real estate, looking to build a successful team, or curious about what drives a leading property firm, this episode has the answers.

Joining me on ‘Unscripted with Spencer Lodge’ is Kameron Hutchinson, Director of Recruitment at Allsopp & Allsopp, one of Dubai’s most recognised and trusted real estate companies. With years of experience in recruitment and talent development, Kameron plays a crucial role in identifying, training, and building top-performing teams that drive the company’s enviable success.

02:17 – Kameron’s journey into recruitment05:55 – The qualities Kameron looks for in real estate candidates10:29 – What makes a successful real estate broker in Dubai13:35 – Common interview mistakes and how to avoid them20:59 – The role of company culture in driving success27:55 – Success stories of agents who beat the odds32:02 – Why employees leave and return to Allsopp & Allsopp41:20 – Kameron’s "dos and don’ts" for job seekers

Show Sponsor:

Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp

Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ 

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What if the key to solving the world’s biggest problems, including poverty, climate change, and waste, was hidden in the trash we throw away every day?

This week on ‘Unscripted With Spencer Lodge’, we’re joined by Joel Michael, a pioneer in circularity and sustainability. Joel is on a mission to prove that waste isn’t just something to get rid of but a powerful resource that can transform economies, empower communities, and protect the planet.

From developing carbon offset projects to tackling decarbonisation, reforestation, and green mobility, Joel is at the forefront of global climate solutions.

01:11 – Joel’s background and mission03:40 – What is circularity?05:39 – Addressing global waste and climate inequality09:26 – The farmer debt crisis21:05 – Creating a true circular economy27:51 – Incentivising responsible waste management31:18 – Opportunities in climate entrepreneurship43:00 – The one billion farmers mission55:45 – What is greenwashing?

Show Sponsor:

Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp

Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ 

Follow Joel Michael on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/mic_joel/?hl=enhttps://www.joeljmichael.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeljmichael/?originalSubdomain=ae https://x.com/mic_joel

Once hailed as Britain’s most successful fund manager, Neil Woodford opens up about the controversial collapse of his investment empire and the events that rocked the financial world. He reveals the untold truth behind the headlines, addressing the accusations, the challenges, and the lessons learnt. Was he the villain the media painted him to be - or a victim of a flawed system? This is the story no one has heard before, straight from the man himself. Tune in for a raw and revealing conversation that will change the way you see one of Britain’s biggest financial controversies.

00:03:48 Neil’s journey and rise to success as a fund manager

00:08:45 Unpacking what went wrong

00:16:58 Neil’s emotions during that time

00:24:05 Insights into the role of regulators

00:27:30 A timeline of the fund suspension

00:43:14 Liquidating the portfolio

00:49:27 The FCA’s response and its implications

00:53:45 Neil’s emotional well-being

00:56:44 The compensation investors received

01:02:03 Why Neil believes he was targeted by the media

01:07:47 The latest on Neil’s ongoing interactions with the FCA

01:10:37 Neil’s message to those following his story

01:23:15 Neil shares his perspectives on the current economy

Show Sponsor:

Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp

Follow Spencer Lodge on Social Media:https://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ 

Selling a business is one of the most significant decisions any entrepreneur can make, and getting it right requires more than just luck. It takes strategy, preparation, and the right expertise.

That’s where Steve Drake comes in - partner at Middle East Advisory Partners (MEAP) and a seasoned expert in the world of business transactions. With over 30 years of experience in mergers, acquisitions, IPOs, and corporate restructuring, Steve has helped countless companies navigate high-stakes deals, from small businesses to multi-million-dollar enterprises.

Steve shares his wealth of knowledge on how businesses can prepare for sale, attract investors, and maximise their value. From understanding valuations to solving governance challenges, Steve emphasises why being "transaction-ready" is crucial for success.

Whether you’re looking to grow, exit, or simply refine your operations, Steve’s insights are a masterclass in creating long-term value for your business.

04:38 – Preparing to sell your business

09:14 – Earnouts and deal structures

11:41 – Steve’s background and expertise

13:16 – How businesses are valued

17:00 – Industry-specific valuation challenges

20:33 – Red flags in the sale process

26:06 – Governance vs compliance

27:05 – What does it mean to be transaction-ready?

36:00 – Managing mergers and consolidations

Show Sponsors:

Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp

Socials:

Spencer Lodgehttps://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ 

Steve Drakehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-drake-b9399514/?originalSubdomain=ae

Negotiation is a complex art and science. It’s not about negotiating better; it’s about becoming a better negotiator. 

Enter Lousin Mehrabi, one of the world’s top professional negotiators, with expertise spanning billion-dollar IPOs, mergers, and even peace-building efforts. As a seasoned advisor and trainer, Lousin has made it her mission to equip individuals and organisations with the tools to navigate complex negotiations and achieve transformative results.

Today, she's an internationally sought-after keynote speaker and a global head of negotiation training for ADN Group. She's also a special advisor to C-Suite executives for negotiation strategy and personal growth. Now, with all her qualifications and knowledge, she may come across as a tough business negotiator. And the truth of it is that she is. She understands this world inside and out - but she is also very vulnerable. 

Beyond her professional expertise, Lousin opens up about personal challenges, including negotiating through the hardest moments of her life - her son’s diagnosis with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, an incurable disease. Her journey is a testament to resilience, emotional intelligence, and the power of having peace negotiations with yourself.

03:36 - What does a professional negotiator do?

12:04 - Negotiation as a male-dominated industry

24:30 - Training negotiators

29:19 - Negotiations in conflict zones

32:31 - Tactics in negotiations

37:07 - Spotting manipulation in negotiations

39:04 - Walking away from a deadlock

41:35 - Lousin’s negotiation experience

46:27 - Negotiating with yourself

51:31 - The path to world peace

Show Sponsors:

Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp

Socials:

Spencer Lodgehttps://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ 

Lousin Mehrabihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lousin-mehrabi/?originalSubdomain=ae https://www.instagram.com/lousinmehrabi/https://www.youtube.com/@lousinmehrabi

What does it take to generate over $25 million online while working smarter, not harder? Ravi Abuvala knows the answer.

As the CEO of Scaling with Systems, Ravi has mastered the art of client acquisition and marketing, combining automation with strategy to create systems that deliver results. His proven methods are setting a new benchmark for scalable business growth, helping entrepreneurs attract high-value clients and maximise revenue.

Leaving behind a career in law, he turned personal challenges into the driving force behind his entrepreneurial success. In this episode, he shares the secrets to building a standout brand, leveraging social media, and establishing trust in a crowded market.

Get ready to hear Ravi’s take on why systems are the backbone of success, how content is the long-term insurance every business needs, and why efficiency beats effort every time. This is a conversation packed with insights for anyone serious about scaling their business.

02:37 – Ravi’s transition from law to entrepreneurship

07:52 – Working smarter, not harder, and the impact of automation

12:05 – The power of personal branding for client acquisition

13:38 – Scaling strategies for any industry

23:17 – The importance of creating content consistently

25:39 – How to structure content and nurture leads

31:52 – Video content for building trust and long-term lead generation

43:50 – Challenges and benefits of brand visibility

59:41 – Ravi’s top three ingredients for success

Show Sponsors:

Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp

Socials:

Spencer Lodgehttps://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ 

Ravi Abuvalahttps://www.instagram.com/raviabuvala/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/@RaviAbuvalahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/raviabuvala/https://x.com/ravi_abuvala?lang=en&mx=2 https://www.facebook.com/raviryanabuvala/https://www.tiktok.com/@theraviabuvala?lang=en

Running the world’s busiest airport isn’t for the faint-hearted. It demands bold vision, relentless strategy, and the grit to tackle high-stakes challenges day in, day out.

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths knows this better than anyone. In this episode of Unscripted with Spencer Lodge, Paul gives us a front-row seat to the realities of leading in the aviation industry, sharing the strategies that keep Dubai Airports ahead of the curve and his ambitious vision for the future of air travel.

We dive into his approach to enhancing the passenger experience, Dubai Airports' focus on innovation, and how he’s tackling the critical balance between convenience and sustainability. 

This episode is packed with hard-hitting insights on leadership, growth, and the drive required to run a world-class airport. Don’t miss it!

02:47 – Paul's journey to aviation

13:11 – The influence of religion on Paul’s life and career

24:15 – The Hawker Siddeley Harrier Jump Jet

29:39 – Paul’s experience with major players like Virgin and Gatwick Airport

30:05 – Leadership insights

45:53 – Paul’s approach to improving the airport experience

55:02  – Details about Dubai Airport’s facilities and innovations

59:21 – Environmental challenges in the aviation industry

Show Sponsors:

Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp

Socials:

Spencer Lodgehttps://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ 

Paul Griffithshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-griffiths-aaa87b2/

Donna Benton came to Dubai with just $3,000 and a bold idea. Fast forward, and that idea became The Entertainer, a billion-dollar brand that transformed how people save on dining, leisure, and travel across 15 countries, all while contributing over $1.3 billion a year to Dubai’s economy.

But Donna’s story isn’t your average entrepreneurial journey. She’s a fiercely driven businesswoman and an investment powerhouse, and now she’s returned to The Entertainer to skyrocket the brand to new heights. In this episode, she shares the real story behind her success - the sacrifices, the grit, and her no nonsense approach to leadership. 

If you want to learn what it takes to make it big and be inspired to mirror her success, Donna’s story is for you.

04:23 - The purpose behind starting The Entertainer 06:26 - Entrepreneurship and the value of perseverance 13:44 - The truth about fulfilment versus financial gain

18:04 - Humility and loyalty in leadership

28:02 - Rejoining The Entertainer

30:35 - Selecting the right team

49:07 - Measuring other people’s success

52:52 - The Entertainer’s expansion plans and market presence

Show Sponsors:

Allsopp & Allsopp: Redefining real estate, through cutting-edge technology and setting new standards for seamless, elevated customer experience. Keep moving with Allsopp & Allsopp.https://bit.ly/Allsopp-and-Allsopp

Socials:

Spencer Lodgehttps://www.instagram.com/spencer.lodge/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer.lodge https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SpencerLodgeTV https://www.facebook.com/spencerlodgeofficial/ 

Donna Bentonhttps://www.instagram.com/donna_benton/https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnabentonthebentongroup/